As Southeast Produce Council’s Southern Exposure approaches, Exp. Group is preparing to make a strong statement about where the company is headed in 2026. After all, SEPC represents more than just another event on the calendar, it is the first major opportunity of the year to showcase the company’s expanding capabilities, particularly in the fruit category.

“We found SEPC to be a great show last year with a lot of traction from retailers,” said Anthony Serafino, president of the North Bergen, NJ-based company. “This year, we really want to showcase our fruit capability. That’s a big focus for us.”

Historically recognized as a tropical-focused organization, Exp. Group is broadening its reach and positioning itself as a full-service fruit and logistics partner. A key part of that evolution is the recent hiring of Richard Armata as director of fruits. Armata brings extensive industry experience, including time in the Hunts Point Market, and is expected to play a central role in strengthening the company’s fruit portfolio.

“We want to highlight that we’re more than a tropical organization,” Serafino said. “We’re expanding our grape programs, berry programs, stone fruit programs, melon programs and of course, continuing everything we do on the tropical side.”

The company will have a significant presence at the show, which will include COO Fraymil Rodriguez; vice president of Texas operations Jesus Cavazos; Armata and team members from the company’s Texas operation. 

“We’re really looking forward to it,” Serafino said.

At the booth, Exp. Group plans to emphasize not only its growing fruit programs, but also its multi-location footprint and logistics strength. With headquarters in New Jersey, along with operations in New York and Texas, the company wants customers to understand its broader supply chain capabilities.

“We’re not just a produce organization,” Serafino said. “We’re a logistics company as well. Clients today are looking for wide-ranging solutions, and that’s what we want to showcase.”

At the show, Serafino expects many conversations to revolve around cost efficiency, supply chain streamlining and technology. 

“People are looking to streamline their supply chains as cost-effectively as possible,” he said. “AI, workplace distribution, workplace efficiency — those are going to be common themes. We’re prepared to talk about why we’re investing in technology and how that supports our supply chain in 2026.”

Beyond the booth, Serafino places high value on the in-person networking that SEPC encourages. 

“This industry is very engaging and very social,” he said. “We learned during the pandemic that Zoom isn’t the same. You need that real life connection. Whether it’s over a glass of water, apple juice, or wine, people want to engage face-to-face.”

Six years removed from the height of COVID-19 disruptions, Serafino believes trade shows play an especially important role in reconnecting professionals, particularly younger members of the workforce who missed early networking opportunities. 

“SEPC does a phenomenal job of bringing clients and vendors together,” he said. “Our expectations for networking are very high.”

For Serafino, a successful show is measured less by immediate deals and more by lasting impact. 

“When we leave the show, I ask the team one question: ‘Did we leave a lasting impression?’” he said. “Did prospective customers walk away saying, ‘That’s a company I’d like to do business with?’ If we did that, we’ll see the results.”

With an energized team, expanded fruit programs and a renewed emphasis on technology and logistics, Exp. Group heads into SEPC ready to reinforce its four core pillars: quality, service, brand and culture.

“We want people to know exactly who we are and what we stand for,” Serafino said. “If we accomplish that, it’s a successful show.”